Cellular Respiration Flashcards

Flashcards to review the key concepts of cellular respiration, including ATP production, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and factors affecting respiration rate.

What is cell respiration?

The primary process that provides energy to cells by breaking down carbon compounds and producing ATP.

What is a respiratory substrate?

Any molecule that can be broken down in cell respiration to release energy (e.g., glucose, lipids, proteins).

What is the main respiratory substrate used by most cells?

Glucose.

What is the last resort energy source for cells?

Proteins and their amino acids, as proteins serve other important functions.

How does cell respiration differ from gas exchange?

Cell respiration is the process of producing ATP, while gas exchange is the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.

What are the two main types of cell respiration?

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Where does aerobic respiration occur?

It begins in the cytoplasm, but most steps occur in the mitochondria.

What respiratory substrates can aerobic respiration use?

Any of the respiratory substrates (glucose, lipids, and proteins).

What is the ATP yield of aerobic respiration?

Approximately 36–38 molecules of ATP.

What are the waste products of aerobic respiration?

Carbon dioxide and water.

Where does anaerobic respiration occur?

Only in the cytoplasm of the cell.

What respiratory substrates can anaerobic respiration use?

Only glucose and other carbohydrates.

What is the ATP yield of anaerobic respiration?

A net (overall) gain of two molecules of ATP.

What is the waste product of anaerobic respiration in humans?

Lactate (lactic acid).

What is the word equation for aerobic respiration?

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ATP)

What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration?

glucose → lactate (+ATP)

What variables affect the rate of cell respiration?

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and oxygen concentration.

What is a respirometer used for?

To measure the rate of respiration by measuring the consumption of oxygen.

In a respirometer setup, what does the alkaline solution do?

It absorbs the carbon dioxide (CO2), which decreases the volume of gas.

In a respirometer, what does the movement of the colored liquid in the manometer indicate?

An indirect measurement of the oxygen consumed, allowing the respiration rate to be calculated.

What is the formula for calculating the volume of a cylinder?

V = πr²h

How do you calculate the rate of oxygen consumption?

Divide the volume of gas consumed by the time taken: Rate = volume / time

How do you calculate the mean rate of oxygen consumption?

Add the rates together and divide by the number of trials: Mean = (sum of values) / (number of trials)